07/22/2026
🦇Bat Season in Ontario - Part 1 of 4: Why are bats ending up inside homes this time of year?
Every summer we receive calls from homeowners asking the same question: "How did a bat get into my house!?"
Before we go any further, we want people to know something important. We like bats.
Bats are an important part of our ecosystem and play a huge role in controlling insects. The goal is NEVER to harm them. We want to help homeowners safely deal with bats when they end up somewhere they don't belong and this time of year, it's actually very common.
During the summer, attics can become extremely hot, especially during a heat wave like we've been experiencing this week. Bats that are roosting in an attic will often move into cooler wall spaces to escape the heat. Once they're inside the walls, they can travel through hidden spaces around plumbing, wiring, and ductwork, sometimes finding their way into your living space.
If you notice bats entering or leaving your home around dusk, this can be a sign they are using your home as a roost. Bats often return to the same locations year after year, so identifying how they are getting in is an important first step.
If a bat gets into your home, try to stay calm. Turn off the interior lights, open an exterior window (remove the screen) or open an exterior door to give the bat a chance to fly back outside. Keep children and pets away, and don't try to catch or handle it.
Recent rabies-related news in Ontario has reminded many people that although only a very small percentage of bats carry rabies, it's impossible to tell if a bat is infected just by looking at it. If direct contact with a bat has occurred, or you think contact may have occurred, it should always be taken seriously. Reach out to your local public health unit as soon as possible for guidance.
Getting the bat outside solves the immediate problem, but it doesn't solve how it got in. If bats are finding their way into your home, there's usually an entry point that should be professionally identified and addressed.
In Part 2, we'll talk about why bats don't belong inside your home and the health concerns homeowners should know about.
Have a question about bats? Leave it in the comments or reach out to us, we're always happy to help. 705-878-5353
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